TESTBED Dorset – OHEN (One Health Enterprise Network)

I first met David Brooks at the Battlelab, on the Dorset Innovation Park, where I was first given some insight into TESTBED Dorset. The snippets he posted on Linked in caught my interest on how that involves the county’s assets and expertise when it comes to innovation.

Wednesday 25^th February 2026 was the launch day for TESTBED Dorset prospectus.

There are a few names and acronyms, so let’s clear them up.

OHEN stands for One Health Enterprise Network and is a Community Interest Company (CIC) set up to bid for funding and managing the operation.

TESTBED Dorset is brand name given to the concept of a living science park that will be formed through collaboration with landowners, academia, public bodies, community organisations and the business network.

The term One Health recognises that the health of people, the environment, animals, food chain and so on are all connected. Research and advancements in one area will depend on impact other areas. By connecting them earlier and being involved, collaborating, better shared outcomes could be produced.

Resources:

Dorset LEP OHEN – (this may go with the closing down of LEPs)

TESTBED Dorset – (Kevin Brook’s website)

Slides from 2026 OHEN event
https://www.brookskebbey.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TESTBED-SUMMIT-MASTER-DECK.pdf